'Dhandoraa' row | Sivaji issues apology for sexist remark amid criticism, says he 'referred to heroines'

Actor Sivaji is facing intense heat for his recent comments during the Dhandoraa promotional event. The actor’s 'cheap' remarks triggered a massive social media fallout, with fans and celebrities taking to social media to condemn his speech and call it distasteful.

The actor has been at the centre of an industry-wide discussion since yesterday following his unwelcome comments. The heavy criticism sparked by his words has made this one of the most talked-about incidents in recent days in the entertainment industry.

Following intense backlash, the Court star took to social media and issued an apology. He released a public statement in an effort to address the firestorm sparked by his controversial speech.

Taking to X, Sivaji shared a video message expressing regret over his statements. He said, "I should not have used unparliamentary words. I was not speaking about all women. I only said maybe actresses wouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable if they dressed carefully. The intention wasn't to demean anyone, but because I used such words, I sincerely apologise."

"I sincerely apologise for my words during the Dhandoraa pre-release event last night," he wrote, addressing the damage caused by his remarks.

Speaking at the Dhandoraa promotional event, Sivaji drew backlash for his remarks on women's attire. He advocated for traditional clothing as the mark of true grace and claimed that actresses who wear revealing outfits face unspoken criticism from the public, regardless of outward appearances.

He said that traditional or well-covered attire reflects true beauty and claimed that while people may outwardly smile at actresses wearing revealing outfits, many silently question such choices.

Several social media users, including celebrities, criticised Sivaji’s comments, questioning their relevance in a modern and evolving society. Celebrities like Chinmayi, Anasuya, Manoj Manchu and Ram Gopal Varma reacted sharply and called him out for his authority to comment on women's choices.

Navdeep, who also stars in Dhandoraa, distanced himself from the controversy. He issued a statement saying that he found the comments disrespectful and was in complete disagreement with the opinions and wording presented by Sivaji.